D. Williams
When it is spring you can get out and walk, hike, bike, swim, and take long leisurely sniff walks in beautiful weather. We pay attention to our well-being and sometimes overlook those extra little exciting things for our “Kids.” For those that know Rover’s Rest Stop Kids they will tell you that we engage in every puzzle, toy, game, walk, meet & greet, shopping event we can … and don’t forget parties! Their health and well-being does not stop at a meal, walk, bath, TV time, they need brain stimulation too. As with us, keeping the mind sharp improves cognitive dysfunction (dementia) and relieves stress.
We are preparing for the heat of summer and planning activities for inside. Our morning walks can be very early while it is still cool but then the long day inside is boring. Surprisingly, the games are not physically tiring but the mental focus and interaction with you for short 2 to 5 minute periods works wonders. Adored Beast Apothecary recently shared an article for dogs and one for cats on brain stimulation and Julie Anne Lee is one of our favorites. A bored dog will create their own fun which might not make you smile. Mental stimulation decreases hyperactivity and/or destructive behaviors. Dr. Karen Becker has several YouTube videos explaining and showing Mental and Physical Stimulation and 4 At Home Boredom Busters among others.
Besides YouTube videos there are books, one we love is 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog. Start at the beginning and build on that trick with the next trick, by the last page they pick up their toys and put them away! I’d say this is worth the effort.
One game you all know is the cup game, better known as the shell game. The old Hide and Seek is a good one. This could be combined with hiding treats along a walk and let them sniff them out as part of Find It, be sure to use extra special treats to entice them. Try the Name Game for each of their toys and build from 1 to 10 or more. Again, there are puzzles, rolling toys or Kong toys to hide treats in for them to figure out, they can even be frozen for more fun.
You can engage them with media such as playing canine music which helps to reduce anxiety. YouTube has Music for Dogs: 20 hours of Gentle Calming Songs and Relaxation Tones to Calm Anxiety, no ads to interrupt! I am betting you will both benefit from the laughs and your bond will grow stronger.
Our Meet & Greet events are the second Saturday every month, call 480-600-2828 for more information. We also have boarding and an Emergency Program. The Kids LOVE to see you! Sept. 12, 9 a.m. to noon. See you there!